Heads up display systems for swimming goggles

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a heads up display (HUD) system configured for use with a pair of swimming goggles comprising first and second eye cups, a nose bridge connected to inner sides of the eye cups, and strap mounting portions on outer sides of the eye cups. The HUD system comprises an electronics and optics modules. The electronics module comprises a water tight housing and a processor, memory, power supply, sensors and a display within the water tight housing. The processor processes signals from the sensors to determine swimming performance data and controls the display to generate an image containing the swimming performance data. The optics module is mounted on one of the eye cups and is coupled to the electronics module for receiving the image from the display. The optics module extends from the electronics module and has one or more light directing features for redirecting the image toward an eye of a user to generate a redirected image.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/960,436 filed on Apr. 23, 2018, which claims the benefit of priorityof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/488,516, which was filedon Apr. 21, 2017, both of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to heads up display (HUD) systems, and inparticular to HUD systems for use with swimming goggles.

BACKGROUND

The advent of small, low power, and reliable electronic sensors,processors and related components has led to an increase in thepracticality and popularity of wearable computing devices. Variouswearable computing devices for use by swimmers have been proposed,including:

-   US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0030482;-   US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0134297;-   US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0187786; and-   International (PCT) Application Publication No. WO 2015/164944.

The inventors have determined a need for improved systems and methodsfor providing swimmers with real time information while swimming.

SUMMARY

One aspect provides a heads up display (HUD) system configured for usewith a pair of swimming goggles comprising first and second eye cups, anose bridge connected to an inner side of each of the first and secondeye cups, and a strap mounting portion on an outer side of each of thefirst and second eye cups. The HUD system comprises an electronicsmodule and an optics module. The electronics module comprises a watertight housing and a processor, memory, power supply, one or more sensorsand a display within the water tight housing. The processor processessignals from the one or more sensors to determine swimming performancedata and controls the display to generate an image containing theswimming performance data. The optics module is mounted on one of thefirst and second eye cups and is coupled to the electronics module forreceiving the image from the display. The optics module extends from theelectronics module and has one or more light directing features forredirecting the image toward an eye of a user to generate a redirectedimage.

Further aspects and details of example embodiments are set forth below.

DRAWINGS

The following figures set forth embodiments in which like referencenumerals denote like parts. Embodiments are illustrated by way ofexample and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 shows a pair of swimming goggles with a heads up display (HUD)system removeably mounted thereon.

FIG. 1A shows the swimming goggles and HUD system of FIG. 1 with the HUDsystem removed from the goggles.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the swimming goggles and HUD system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1C shows the HUD system of FIG. 1 in isolation.

FIG. 2 shows a pair of swimming goggles with an integrated HUD system.

FIG. 2A shows the swimming goggles and HUD system of FIG. 2 with theelectronics module of the HUD system separated from the goggles.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the swimming goggles and HUD system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an example electronic system fora HUD system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a pair of swimming goggles with an integrated HUD systemwith an optics module integrated into one of the eye cups.

FIG. 4A shows the swimming goggles and HUD system of FIG. 4 with theelectronics module of the HUD system and the optical module capseparated from the goggles.

FIG. 5 shows the eye cup having the integrated optics module of thegoggles of FIG. 4 in isolation.

FIG. 5A is a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the area indicated by circle B in FIG.5A.

FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the area indicated by circle C in FIG.5A.

FIG. 5D is an exploded view of the eye cup of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes heads up display (HUD) systems for use withswimming goggles. Example embodiments described below include HUDsystems adapted to be removeably mounted on a pair of swimming goggles,and HUD systems integrated into a pair of swimming goggles. The HUDsystems disclosed herein are useful for providing a near-eye data feedto swimmers in real time, who otherwise would be isolated frominformation during activity. The data feed provides critical data aboutthe swimming activity such as for example time, splits, lap count,distance and breathing rate but can also include text notifications tothe swimmer for technique tips (e.g. body or head position), encouragingmessages to boost motivation, or messages from the coach, as describedfurther below.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding ofthe examples described herein. The examples may be practiced withoutthese details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, andcomponents are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the examplesdescribed. The description is not to be considered as limited to thescope of the examples described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a pair of swimming goggles G with a heads up display (HUD)system 100 removeably mounted thereon. The goggles G have a pair of eyecups E1 and E2 with a nose bridge B connected between an inner side ofeach of the eye cups E1 and E2. Each of the eye cups E1 and E2 has astrap mounting portion S on its outer side.

The HUD system 100 comprises an optics module 110 and an electronicsmodule 120, and a resilient loop member 102 configured to secure the HUDsystem 100 to one of the eye cups E1 or E2. As discussed further below,the electronics module 120 generates an image containing swimmingperformance data which is directed toward a user's eye by the opticsmodule 110.

The optics module 110 comprises a transparent member 111 extending fromthe electronics module 120. The transparent member 111 has a viewingsurface 119 configured for placement against the front side of one ofthe eye cups E1 or E2. The optics module 110 is held in place againstthe goggle eye cup E1/E2 by a resilient loop member 102 stretchedbetween the bridge B and mounting portion S and over protrusions 112 onthe transparent member 111.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the protrusions 112 aresymmetrically positioned on the top and bottom of the transparentmember. Each of the top and bottom protrusions 112 comprises a flange113 extending outwardly from the edge of the transparent member 111adjacent to the viewing surface 119, and a hook 114 at an end of theflange 113 closest to the electronics module 120. This configurationallows the viewing surface 119 to be securely held against the frontsurface of the eye cup E1/E2 by a single loop member 102 looped aroundthe bridge B and mounting portion S, as shown in FIG. 1A, by stretchingthe loop member 102 for placement over the flanges 113 and hooks 114 onthe top and bottom of the transparent member 111. To account fordifferent sized goggles, the unstretched size of the loop member 102 maybe selected based on the distance between the bridge B and mountingportion S to ensure that the transparent member 111 is held securely.

In other embodiments, the protrusions 112 may take different forms. Forexample, in some embodiments the flanges 113 could be replaced withanother pair of hooks or the like near the end of the optics module. Insome embodiments one loop may be provided for attaching to the straparound hooks near the electronics module, and another loop for attachingto the bridge around a hook on the end of the optics module.

The electronics module 120 comprises an electronic system having aprocessor and a plurality or sensors for generating signals indicativeof swimming performance data, and a display device for sending lightsignals to the optics module 110, as described further below. Theelectronics module 120 comprises an optical module interface 122 forcoupling light from the display device within the electronics module 120into the optics module 110. The optics module 110 comprises lightdirecting elements within the transparent member 111 for directing lighttowards the viewing surface 119. For example, in some embodiments, theoptics module comprises a holographic waveguide (e.g. a transparentsubstrate such as a glass plate or the like, with a first hologram forreceiving an image from the display and redirecting light to a secondhologram which redirects light towards the viewing surface 119), and thelight directing elements may comprise holographic beam splitters. Theholographic waveguide may be located within a cavity defined in thetransparent member, with spacings around the waveguide to leave gaps formaintaining total internal reflection, as described below.

As best seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the electronics module 120 alsocomprises a port 124, such as for example a micro-USB port. In someembodiments, the port 124 comprises an IP68 10 m waterproof Micro-USBconnector. This Micro-USB connector is sealed through the body of theconnector and has a rubber seal around the outside that seals with amating port in the housing of the electronics module 120. As analternative to a waterproof micro-USB connector, the port 124 may, forexample, comprise pogo-pin contacts embedded in the wall of the housingof the electronics module 120, and a custom USB cable may be providedfor connecting to the pogo-pin contacts. The port 124 allows the HUDsystem 100 to be connected to a power source for charging the battery,and/or connected to another electronic device for wired data transfer.In other embodiments, the HUD system 100 comprises a wireless chargingreceiver such that the battery may be charged wirelessly. Theelectronics module 120 may also comprise one or more user interfaceelements, which in the illustrated example include a power button 126, awireless activation button 128, and a touch sensitive region 129. Theelectronics module 120 may also comprise an ambient light sensor 127 fordetecting ambient lighting conditions.

FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B show a pair of swimming goggles G′ with an integratedHUD system 200 comprising an electronics module 220 and an optics module230. In HUD system 200, the optics module 230 is formed within one ofthe goggles eye cups, and a mounting portion 212 extending laterallyoutwardly from the eye cup is configured to engage an optical moduleinterface 222 of the electronics module 220. In some embodiments, theelectronics module 220 is removable from the goggles G′, such that thegoggles G′ may be provided separately from the electronics module 220,and users can purchase goggles and electronics modules separately.

The electronics module 220 comprises an electronic system having aprocessor and a plurality of sensors for generating signals indicativeof swimming performance data, and a display device for sending lightsignals to the optics module 230, as described further below. The opticsmodule 230 comprises light directing elements within the eye cup fordirecting light generated in the electronics module 220 towards theuser's eye. Details of an example optics module consisting essentiallyof a collimating optic, a waveguide, a corrective optic and a cap aredescribed below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5D. The optics module 230may take other forms in other embodiments.

As best seen in FIG. 2B, the electronics module 220 also comprises aport 224, such as for example a micro-USB port. In some embodiments, theport 224 comprises an IP68 10 m waterproof Micro-USB connector. ThisMicro-USB connector is sealed through the body of the connector and hasa rubber seal around the outside that seals with a mating port in thehousing of the electronics module 220. As an alternative to a waterproofmicro-USB connector, the port 224 may, for example, comprise pogo-pincontacts embedded in the wall of the housing of the electronics module220, and a custom USB cable may be provided for connecting to thepogo-pin contacts. The port 224 allows the HUD system 200 to beconnected to a power source for charging the battery, and/or connectedto another electronic device for wired data transfer. In otherembodiments, the HUD system 200 comprises a wireless charging receiversuch that the battery may be charged wirelessly. The electronics module220 may also comprise one or more user interface elements, which in theillustrated example include a power button 226, a wireless activationbutton 228, and a touch sensitive region 229. The electronics module 220may also comprise status indicators 225 (e.g. LEDs) The electronicsmodule 220 may also comprise an ambient light sensor 227 for detectingambient lighting conditions.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates elements of an electronic system 300according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronicsystem 300 of FIG. 3 may, for example, be incorporated into theelectronics module 120/220 of the HUD system 100/200 of FIG. 1 or FIG.2. Since the electronic system 300 is configured for use in the water,the elements of the system 300 are contained within a watertight housing302. The connections to the system 300 from outside the housing 302, forexample the port 124/224, are waterproof.

The electronic system 300 comprises a low power processor 310, a memory312, a plurality of sensors 314, a display 316, a wireless transceiver318, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 320, a battery 322, aport interface 324, and one or more switches or other user interfaceelements 326. The sensors 314 comprise one or more accelerometers andgyroscopes (e.g., a 6-axis accelerometer and gyroscope) for measuringacceleration and rate of turn along and about a plurality of axes. Thesensors 314 provide acceleration and rate of turn signals to theprocessor 310, which processes these signals by execution of computerreadable instructions stored in memory 312 to generate swimmingperformance data. In some embodiments, the memory 312 is able to store 8hours or more of swimming performance data. In some embodiments, thesensors 314 may include additional sensors, such as for example, anambient light sensor, a heart rate (HR) sensor, a global positioningsystem (GPS) sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetometer, and/or othersensors (e.g. body worn sensors for advanced motion or biometricsdetection and analysis). In some embodiments, the electronic system 300may also receive signals from additional sensors separate from the HUDsystem 100/200 through the wireless transceiver 318. The processor 310drives the display 316 to generate light based on the swimmingperformance data, and light from the display 316 is projected into theoptics module 110/210 of the HUD system 100/200 for generating an imageviewable by the user containing swimming performance information. Thedisplay 316 may comprise a monochrome display, an RGB display, or othertype of display. The display 316 may, for example, comprise a lowresolution OLED display.

In some embodiments, the processor 310, memory 312, sensors 314,wireless transceiver 318 and PMIC 320 may all be incorporated into asingle, low-power module such as, for example the Intel® Curie™ module,or the ST Microelectronics STM32L4. The display 316 may, for examplecomprise an OLED display with a resolution of 64×32 or 72×40. In someembodiments, the electronic system 300 may interface with a camera(either integrated into the HUD system or provided as a separateaccessory) to enable video recording and photos.

The electronic system 300 includes firmware for driving the sensors 314and software for calculating, storing, exporting/importing anddisplaying the resulting swimming performance data and relatedinformation. In some embodiments, the electronic system 300 iscontrollable by means of a multi-purpose button of the user interfaceelements 326 for toggling (one press) and selecting (hold) for settingup, configuring and controlling the electronic system 300. Theelectronic system 300 may also be paired to or otherwise communicativelycoupled to another electronic device (e.g. a smartphone, tablet,computer, etc.) for setting up, configuring and controlling theelectronic system 300, for importing and exporting performance data andrelated information, and/or for interfacing with online platforms (e.g.www.swim.com). For example a user may configure the electronic system300 for use in pools having different lengths (e.g., 25 meters, 50meters, custom), to use different measurement units (e.g. meters,yards), to set desired performance metrics or targets and measure actualperformance against such targets (such as for example pace, stroke rate,SWOLF (sum of time and stroke count to complete a given distance),calories burned, total swimming time, total swimming distance, totalnumber of laps, workout duration, turn power, turn time, underwatertime, number of underwater kicks, etc.), to select the type ofperformance information displayed to the user, to select the frequencyof pop-up messages or other communications displayed to the user. Insome embodiments, the electronic system 300 may display pop-up messagesto the user based on comparisons of the user's performance to variousbenchmarks or targets, such as a target pace, target stroke rate, targetsplit time, recent performances, average performance, personal best,etc., or may display messages from an external source (e.g. from anelectronic device used by a coach or trainer).

The computation required for delivering many of the described featuresrelies on detection of certain events as determined by the onboardmotion sensors (e.g., 6-axis accelerometer and gyroscope). Certain typesof events that may be detected by HUD systems according to the presentdisclosure are listed in the table below.

Event Detection Event Description Auto Start Workout Detects when useris pushing off wall Auto Finish Used to start/stop activity when swimmeris at rest between swims. Detection occurs either when head is out ofwater in vertical position and/or when wall finish is detected withoutimmediately turning in opposite direction. Auto Rest Timer Determinestime between touching wall (without flip turn) and pushing off againDetect Swim Auto detect activity defined as movement between rests.Detect Stroke Type Auto detect type of swim stroke based onaccelerometer and/or gyroscope signals (e.g. free, fly, breast, back,kick, IM, drill (mixed)). Timer Auto start timer when pushing off wallfor swim, stop timer after each swim. Auto split Split time and distanceper swim at each turn for all strokes Distance Total distance; currentswim distance (per lap unit); distance since last turn; distance perstroke Pace Time per 50 or 100. Pops up after each turn in increments of50 for all strokes Speed In a pool, determined based on the time and thenumber of completed laps plus distance since last turn; in open water,determined based on the time and the average distance per strokecombined with various sensor inputs (e.g. from accelerometer, gyroscopeand magnetometer) Auto split per Accelerometer detects turnautomatically and splits clock per swimming type at turn distance/laps.In some embodiments, the gyroscope is used in (fly, back, crawl,combination to detect the start of a turn and in response controlbreast, kick) the accelerometer to have a faster sampling rate to detectchange in direction of motion and push-off from wall. Gyroscope couldalso be used alone by calculating the 180 degree angular accelerationfrom horizontal to horizontal either in z-axis (hand finish) or x-axis(vertical turn). The type of turn varies based on the type of stroke.Back and crawl will be almost identical and so will breast and fly.Kicking finish is unique in that a kickboard is used and usually onlyone arm touches the wall before turning. Auto lap count Use Auto Splitand Auto Finish algorithms to count laps Auto On Turns device on when inwater. Could be activated when push off from wall is detected or whenhead is facing down in horizontal position for x seconds. Auto OffDevice turns off when no swims have been started for a given timeframe(e.g. 2 min, configurable by user) and head is not in horizontalposition. Stroke count Counts total strokes and # stroke per minute(accelerometer) Breathing Count breaths taken per lap, per swim, perminute, etc. count/breathing rate Smart Coach engine Detects techniqueduring swim and sends feedback to the user with simple tips about thingslike stroke mechanics, body position, head position, stroke frequency,breathing rate, speed and fatigue. Use sensors to pick up approximatebody and head position compared to ideal, and changes in body and headposition. Also detects when head is moved to the side for breathing,when hands enters the water and exits and changes in drag by inferringincorrect technique to changes in speed. Body worn sensors can be wornto improve accuracy and provide extra data points for this analysis.

In some embodiments, the electronics system 300 is configured todetermine a current pace based on acceleration signals from the one ormore sensors, determine an expected interval finish time based on thecurrent pace, and display the expected interval finish time to the userin real time. In some embodiments, the electronics system 300 isconfigured to determine a distance travelled and display the distancetravelled in the image in real time. In some embodiments, theelectronics system 300 is configured to determine a swimming speed anddisplay the swimming speed in the image in real time.

In some embodiments, the electronics system 300 is configured todetermine a stroke type based on acceleration signals from the one ormore sensors, compare a detected stroke profile to an ideal strokeprofile for the determined stroke type, and display real time stroketechnique feedback to the user in real time. The electronic system 300may also send feedback regarding other performance metrics. For example,the electronic system 300 may detect a user's performance and techniqueduring swimming and send feedback to the user with tips about thingslike stroke mechanics, body position, head position, stroke frequency,breathing behavior, speed, fatigue, kicking pattern, actual location inpool (e.g. right before/after turn) etc. In some embodiments, theelectronic system 300 may store a variety of feedback messages andautomatically display messages to the swimmer in response to certaintriggering events. For example, when the system 300 detects that aswimmer's head is coming up too high, a message such as “keep your headdown” could be displayed.

In some embodiments, the electronic system 300 is configured todetermine a turn score based on a swimmer's resulting speed when comingoff of a turn. This speed is a function of the power with which theswimmer pushes off the wall, and how streamlined the swimmer is afterthe turn. In some embodiments, the electronic system 300 is configuredto determine an underwater score based on what the swimmer does after aturn. Good swimmers use dolphin kicks to propel themselves underwateravoiding waves from other swimmers in adjacent lanes and leveragingmomentum from turn before resurfacing. The electronic system 300 maydetermine the underwater score based on how streamlined the swimmer isand effectiveness of dolphin kicks. The maximum allowed distanceunderwater is 15 meters so the electronic system 300 may be configuredto display a warning to the swimmer prior to the swimmer travelling 15meters underwater (e.g., at 10, 11, 12, 13, and/or 14 meters).

In some embodiments, the electronic system 300 provides a user in anopen water swim with waypoint heading and position indicators (e.g., bydisplaying waypoint markers and/or arrows in the image) based on GPSsignals. For example, in an example embodiment providing open waterwaypoint navigation, a swimmer looks at the first buoy on the course andprovides user input to the HUD system (e.g. the user double taps thegoggles or presses a button on the HUD system) to set course. Theelectronic system 300 controls the display 316 to show swimmer if he/sheis veering off track and direct him/her back on straight line. Someembodiments may provide for automatic navigation, where the swimmersimply swims straight for e.g. 10 meters and the HUD system determinesthe current direction as a desired heading and provides visual feedbackto keep the swimmer on track. For the first leg the swimmer already hasthe right course as he/she just looked straight at the first Buoy beforejumping in. For subsequent legs of the open water swim, the swimmer justhas to look up once to determine the right direction to swim in, thenthe HUD system provides visual feedback helping him/her stay on track.

In some embodiments, the electronic system 300 receives heart rate (HR)signals and compares the HR signals to a current pace, stroke rate orother performance metric to provide the user with feedback on theircurrent effort level.

In addition to the features and event detection provided by on-boardprocessing capabilities of the HUD system, some embodiments of thepresent disclosure also provide additional functionality throughprocessing capabilities remote from the HUD system, such as on a serversystem or the like. For example, in some embodiments a server system isconfigured for wireless communication with one or more HUD systems. Theserver system may be configured to collect swimming performance datafrom a “Smart Coach engine” feature of the HUD system for each user in acommunity (e.g., a swim team, swim club or the like) and performregression analysis to determine correlation between speed, effort andtechnique. This analysis can then be used by the server system toprovide tips during swimming for everyone tailored to individual skilllevel by sending data to their respective HUD systems. The server systemmay collect data from swimmers on the platform correlating all themetrics collected from the Smart Coach engine and using it to provideoptimized recommendations for technique correction to reduce drag andincrease stroke and kick effectiveness to teach swimmers of all levelsto become better and faster through tips displayed in the image in realtime that fit their skillset at the time.

FIGS. 4 and 4A show a pair of goggles 400 with eye cups 401 and 402having a HUD system that includes an electronics module 420 and anexample optical system 430 integrated into the eye cup 402 according toone embodiment of the present disclosure. The other eye cup 401 may besubstantially similar to a standard goggle eye cup. The electronicsmodule 420 comprises an electronic system (e.g. electronic system 300 ofFIG. 3) having a processor and a plurality of sensors for generatingsignals indicative of swimming performance data, and a display devicefor sending light signals to the optics module 430. The electronicsmodule 420 may be substantially similar to electronics module 220described above with reference to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B. As describedfurther below, the optics module 430 comprises a cap 431, a correctiveoptic 433, a waveguide 434 and a collimating optic 436.

Eye cup 402 has a mounting portion 412 thereon extending laterallyoutwardly therefrom to engage an interface portion 422 of theelectronics module 420 and accommodate portions of the optics module430. In the illustrated example, the mounting portion 412 has anelongated protrusion 414 and angled protrusions 416 on the top andbottom surfaces thereof, and the interface portion 422 of theelectronics module 420 has correspondingly-shaped recesses to receivethe protrusions 414/416, such that the electronics module 420 can beslid onto the mounting portion 412 and will held in place once theprotrusions 414/416 are received in the recesses in the interfaceportion 422. In some embodiments, the interface portion 422 of theelectronics module forms a watertight seal around the mounting portion412 of the eye cup 402.

FIGS. 5, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show details of the eye cup 402 and opticsmodule 430 of the example embodiment of FIG. 4. As best seen in FIGS. 5Aand 5D, the eye cup 402 has an inner wall 404, with a flange 406extending forwardly from around a periphery thereof. A lip 408 isprovided extending forwardly from around the inner edge of the flange406 and a forward facing portion of the mounting portion 412. The cap431 has a groove (not separately enumerated) on the rear face thereoffor engaging with the lip 408. The corrective optic 433 and waveguide434 are held captive between the cap 431 and the inner wall 404. A beamsplitter surface (not separately enumerated) is defined by the interfaceof the corrective optic 433 and waveguide 434. The waveguide 434 has apair of flanges extending outwardly and rearwardly therefrom sized tofit around the collimating optic 436 and having apertures 435 forreceiving protrusions 437 on the collimating optic 436 to maintain adesired spacing between the waveguide 434 and the collimating optic 436.The collimating optic 436 also has protrusions 438 thereon for holdingthe collimating optic 436 in place within the mounting portion 412 ofthe eye cup 402. In some embodiments, a watertight seal is formedbetween the collimating optic 436 and the mounting portion 412 of theeye cup 402.

In some embodiments, the front and back surfaces of the corrective optic433 are parallel to each other, and the front and back surfaces of thewaveguide 434 are also parallel to each other. In the illustratedexample, the front surface of the corrective optic 433 and the frontsurface of the waveguide 434 are co-planar and separated from the cap431 by a gap 432, as shown in FIG. 5B, and the rear surface of thecorrective optic 433 and the rear surface of the waveguide 434 areco-planar and separated from the inner wall 404 by another gap 439. Insome embodiments, each of the gaps 432 and 439 has a size of about 0.1mm. The gaps 432 and 439 may be maintained by spacer material around aperiphery of the waveguide 434, or by any other suitable structuralfeatures. The gap 432 and 439 allow for total internal reflection oflight from the display 316 within the waveguide 434, as discussed below.In some embodiments, the gaps 432 and 439 are only present at the frontand back surfaces of the waveguide 434 and not at the front and backsurfaces of the corrective optic 433. However, providing gaps 432 and439 at the front and back surfaces of both the waveguide 434 andcorrective optic 433 advantageously minimizes optical distortions insome embodiments. In some embodiments, the gaps 432 and 439 are filledwith air. In some embodiments, the gaps 432 and 439 are filled withargon or another suitable gas. In some embodiments, the eye cup 402, cap431, corrective optic 433 and waveguide 434 are all formed fromoptically transparent polycarbonate, and the collimating optic is formedfrom poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). In some embodiments, the opticalmodule 430 is affixed to the eye cup 402 by means of ultrasonic welding,without the use of glues or adhesives. For example, in some embodiments,an ultrasonic weld may be formed between the lip 408 of the flange 406of eye cup 402 and the cap 431.

When the electronics module 420 is in place, the display 316 is about 4mm from an entry freeform surface of the collimating optic 436. Lightfrom the display 316 is collimated by the collimating optic 436 andexits form an exit freeform surface thereof and enters through an entryfreeform surface of the waveguide 434. The light is then totallyinternally reflected off the front surface of the waveguide 434, therear surface of the waveguide 434, and then partially reflected by thebeam splitter surface at the interface of the waveguide 434 and thecorrective optic 433 to be directed to a pupil aperture P. In someembodiments, an image from the display 314 redirected through the opticsmodule 430 to the pupil aperture P subtends a 20 degree horizontal angleat the pupil aperture P. In some embodiments, the beam splitter surfaceat the interface of the waveguide 434 and the corrective optic 433 maybe a freeform surface configured to magnify an image from the display314 after the image has passed through the collimating optic 436.

To reduce optical distortion, in some embodiments the collimating optic436 is tilted with respect to the optical axis of the optical module430. In some embodiments, the two freeform surfaces of the collimatingoptic 436 can also be independently tilted in order to reduceaberrations such as field curvature, distortion, and axial and lateralcolor aberrations, some of which are introduced by the off-axisconfiguration of the beam splitter surface at the interface of thewaveguide 434 and the corrective optic 433. By utilizing freeformsurfaces, as well as tilting the collimating optic 436, the total numberof lenses required to form an image can be reduced, thus reducing thecost, complexity and weight of the optics module 430 and HUD system 400.

In some embodiments, the optics module 430 comprises a holographicwaveguide held in place between the cap 431 and the inner wall 404 tomaintain a gap between the waveguide and the cap 431. One or more lenses(e.g. a freeform optic lens similar to the collimating optic 436) may beprovided between the display 316 and the holographic waveguide.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of theforegoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible tothe methods and systems described herein. While a number of exemplaryaspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in theart will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions andsub-combinations thereof. For example:

the optical module 430 of FIGS. 4-5D could be integrated into theembodiments of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2;

the optical module 430 of FIGS. 4-5D could have additional collimatingoptics or other optical elements;

the optical elements may be tilted or decentered with respect to eachother, or be of different materials;

the optical surfaces of the optical module 430 may be freeform,aspheric, radially-symmetric, or any other type of optical surface.

It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claimshereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations as may reasonably beinferred by one skilled in the art. The scope of the claims should notbe limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should begiven the broadest interpretation consistent with the foregoingdisclosure.

The foregoing discussion provides many example embodiments of theinventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a singlecombination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter isconsidered to include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subjectmatter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A,B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

The embodiments of the devices, systems and methods described herein maybe implemented in a combination of both hardware and software. Theseembodiments may be implemented on programmable computers, each computerincluding at least one processor, a data storage system (includingvolatile memory or non-volatile memory or other data storage elements ora combination thereof), and at least one communication interface.

Program code is applied to input data to perform the functions describedherein and to generate output information. The output information isapplied to one or more output devices. In some embodiments, thecommunication interface may be a network communication interface. Inembodiments in which elements may be combined, the communicationinterface may be a software communication interface, such as those forinter-process communication. In still other embodiments, there may be acombination of communication interfaces implemented as hardware,software, and combination thereof.

Throughout the foregoing discussion, numerous references will be maderegarding servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or othersystems formed from computing devices. It should be appreciated that theuse of such terms is deemed to represent one or more computing deviceshaving at least one processor configured to execute softwareinstructions stored on a computer readable tangible, non-transitorymedium. For example, a server can include one or more computersoperating as a web server, database server, or other type of computerserver in a manner to fulfill described roles, responsibilities, orfunctions.

The technical solution of certain embodiments may include a softwareproduct. The software product may be stored in a non-volatile ornon-transitory storage medium, which can be a compact disk read-onlymemory (CD-ROM), a USB flash disk, or a removable hard disk. Thesoftware product includes a number of instructions that enable acomputer device (personal computer, server, or network device) toexecute the methods provided by the embodiments.

The embodiments described herein are implemented by physical computerhardware, including computing devices, servers, receivers, transmitters,processors, memory, displays, and networks. The embodiments describedherein provide useful physical machines and particularly configuredcomputer hardware arrangements.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should beunderstood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade herein. Moreover, the scope of the present application is notintended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process,machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and stepsdescribed in the specification. As can be understood, the examplesdescribed above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.

1. A heads up display (HUD) system configured for use with a pair ofswimming goggles comprising first and second eye cups, a nose bridgeconnected to an inner side of each of the first and second eye cups, anda strap mounting portion on an outer side of each of the first andsecond eye cups, the HUD system comprising: an electronics modulecomprising a water tight housing and a processor, memory, power supply,one or more sensors and a display within the water tight housing,wherein the processor processes signals from the one or more sensors todetermine swimming performance data and controls the display to generatean image containing the swimming performance data; and an optics moduleextending from the electronics module for receiving the image from thedisplay, the optics module mounted on one of the first and second eyecups and comprising an outer transparent surface and one or more lightdirecting features for redirecting the image toward an eye of a user togenerate a redirected image, wherein the optics module has a gap betweenthe one or more light directing features and the outer transparentsurface to allow for total internal reflection of light from thedisplay.
 2. The HUD system of claim 1 wherein the optics module isintegrated into one of the first and second eye cups.
 3. The HUD systemof claim 2 wherein the one of the first and second eye cups comprises amounting portion adapted to receive the electronics portion.
 4. The HUDsystem of claim 2 wherein the optics module comprises: a collimatingoptic along an optical axis of the display, the collimating optic havinga first freeform surface facing the display and a second freeformsurface facing away from the display; a waveguide having a thirdfreeform surface facing the second freeform surface, opposed front andback surfaces at obtuse angles to an optical axis of the third freeformsurface, and a beam splitter surface between the opposed front and backsurfaces; and, a corrective optic having a beam splitter surfaceconforming to the beam splitter surface of the waveguide, and havingopposed front and back surfaces co-planar with the front and backsurfaces of the waveguide.
 5. The HUD system of claim 4 wherein the oneof the first and second eye cups comprises an inner wall, and a flangeextending outwardly from around a periphery of the inner wall to definea cavity for the optical module, wherein the optical module comprises acap attached to the flange, the cap comprising the outer transparentsurface, and wherein the waveguide is held captive between the cap andthe inner wall with the gap defined between the front surface of thewaveguide and the cap and a second gap defined between the back surfaceof the waveguide and the inner wall.
 6. The HUD system of claim 5wherein the cap is ultrasonically welded to the flange.
 7. The HUDsystem of claim 1 wherein the optics module comprises an innertransparent surface, and wherein the one or more light directingfeatures are held in place between the inner transparent surface and theouter transparent surface with a second gap between the one or morelight directing features and the inner transparent surface.
 8. The HUDsystem of claim 1 wherein the optics module comprises a holographicwaveguide.
 9. The HUD system of claim 1 wherein the electronics moduleis configured to determine a current pace based on acceleration signalsfrom the one or more sensors, determine an expected interval finish timebased on the current pace, and display the expected interval finish timein the image in real time.
 10. The HUD system of claim 9 wherein theelectronics module stores a plurality of pre-recorded feedback messages,and is configured to display one of the pre-recorded feedback messagesin the image in response to detecting a triggering event in the swimmingperformance data.
 11. The HUD system of claim 10 wherein the electronicsmodule is configured to determine a stroke type based on accelerationsignals from the one or more sensors, compare a detected stroke profileto an ideal stroke profile for the determined stroke type to generatestroke technique feedback, and display the stroke technique feedback inthe image in real time.
 12. The HUD system of claim 11 wherein theelectronics module is configured to determine a distance travelled anddisplay the distance travelled in the image in real time.
 13. The HUDsystem of claim 12 wherein the electronics module is configured todetermine an underwater distance travelled and display a warning in theimage when the underwater distance travelled approaches a maximumallowed underwater distance.
 14. The HUD system of claim 13 wherein theelectronics module comprises a GPS sensor and is configured to displaywaypoint position and heading indicators in the image based on GPSsignals.
 15. The HUD system of claim 14 wherein the electronics moduleis configured to automatically determine a current swimming directionand display heading indicators in the image to alert the user ofdeviations from the current swimming direction.
 16. A pair of swimminggoggles comprising first and second eye cups, a nose bridge connected toan inner side of each of the first and second eye cups, a strap mountingportion on an outer side of each of the first and second eye cups, and aheads up display (HUD) system integrated into one of the first andsecond eye cups, the HUD system comprising: an electronics modulecomprising a water tight housing and a processor, memory, power supply,one or more sensors and a display within the water tight housing,wherein the processor processes signals from the one or more sensors todetermine swimming performance data and controls the display to generatean image containing the swimming performance data; and an optics moduleextending from the electronics module for receiving the image from thedisplay, the optics module integrated into one of the first and secondeye cups and comprising one or more light directing features forredirecting the image toward an eye of a user to generate a redirectedimage.
 17. The pair of swimming goggles of claim 16 wherein the one ormore light directing features comprise a beamsplitter, the optics moduleis configured to totally internally reflect light from the display untilthe light reaches the beam splitter.
 18. The pair of swimming goggles ofclaim 17 wherein the beamsplitter comprises one or more of apartially-reflective surface formed by a thin metal coating, aholographic optical element, and a diffractive optical element.
 19. Thepair of swimming goggles of claim 18 wherein the optics module comprisesan additional optical element on the opposite side of the beamsplitterfrom the eye, the additional optical element affecting the inverse ofthe optical change of the display image affected by the beamsplitter.20. The pair of swimming goggles of claim 17 wherein the optics modulecomprises: a collimating optic along an optical axis of the display, thecollimating optic having a first freeform surface facing the display anda second freeform surface facing away from the display; a waveguidehaving a third freeform surface facing the second freeform surface,opposed front and back surfaces at obtuse angles to an optical axis ofthe third freeform surface, and a beam splitter surface between theopposed front and back surfaces; and, a corrective optic having a beamsplitter surface conforming to the beam splitter surface of thewaveguide, and having opposed front and back surfaces co-planar with thefront and back surfaces of the waveguide.
 21. The pair of swimminggoggles of claim 19 wherein the one of the first and second eye cupscomprises an inner wall, and a flange extending outwardly from around aperiphery of the inner wall to define a cavity for the optical module,wherein the optical module comprises a cap attached to the flange, andwherein the waveguide is held captive between the cap and the inner wallwith a first gap between the front surface of the waveguide and the capand a second gap between the back surface of the waveguide and the innerwall.